Deal Breaker

by Whitney D.

  We arrived at the beautiful wrought iron gate that led into Sophie's very upscale neighborhood. Her house was two stories, spanning at least five thousand square feet. The outside was covered with beautiful hand-set stone. Her home was literally something you'd see in Home and Garden magazine. It was breathtaking gorgeous with a huge circular driveway and perfectly pruned greenery that covered every inch of the property.

  As we pulled up the drive, Sophie parked the car before turning to me, “Hand me your bag.”

  I reached for my tote that had been plopped in the backseat and grasped the strap, pulling it to me, then offering it to Sophie.

  “Just wait here. I am going to run your stuff in. We need to get going or I am going to be late.”

  “Alright,” I handed over Bogey and then I watched her sprint up the front steps and inside.

  She returned only moments later, skipping down the front steps.

  “Mom said she can't wait to see you later. She's going to make breakfast tomorrow morning. And your favorite,” she snipped at me as she buckled her seat belt and put the car back in drive.

  “That casserole? The one with the sausage?”

  “Yes.”

  “That's it! I'm moving in... permanently.”

  “Ha. Haaaaaa.”

  The theater was closer to Sophie's house than it was to mine and luckily we made it there before she was late for her first day. She parked in the back of the lot, same as the night before. We made our way out of the car after she grabbed her cute navy blue vest that held her newly minted name tag on it and tossed it on over her white polo shirt.

  “Damn, Soph you're going to pick up so many smoking hot babes in that get-up,” I laughed at her as we hurried inside.

  “Wait here. I've got to go check in with my supervisor and make sure it's okay if you stay.”

  “You mean you didn't already ask?” My eyes dashed around nervously at the fact that I could possibly be told I couldn't stay.

  “Whatever. I am sure it will be fine and if not, I will just have my mom come pick you up.”

  I let out a frustrated puff of air, “Fine.”

  Sophie made her way towards the theaters and I kept my eyes on her before she disappeared in a room to the left near the door to theater two. I twiddled my thumbs, literally, but kept my feet planted firmly near the theater entrance as I patiently waited for Soph to return. Fifteen or so minutes passed and as I glanced down at my watch, I chewed my lip apprehensively.

  “You can stay.”

  My eyes trailed to the left in the direction the voice came from and as my eyes focused on the person who had spoken, my heart skipped a beat. Sebastian Holt.

  “Whhh... what?” I stammered trying to get my words out as I eyed him over from head to toe.

  “You can stay. Watch a few movies... completely on me.”

  I raised a brow when he said on me.

  When I didn't respond, he finally chimed in, “Sorry.”

  He extended his right hand towards me, “I'm Sophie's supervisor. I think we met the other day... if you want to call it that. I'm Sebastian.”

  I stared at his extended hand, not sure I wanted to touch it after the way I reacted the first time his body connected with mine.

  “Okay, well... see you later then,” he pulled his hand back and rubbed it along the jean material of his pants before turning to walk away.

  “Sorry,” my voice was hoarse when I finally acknowledged what he'd said.

  He stopped dead in his tracks when I spoke, but he didn't turn back around to face me right away.

  “I'm Emery Evans.”

  A few seconds went by before he glanced over his shoulder momentarily, “Emery.”

  He turned completely, catching me off guard as he looked over every inch of my body. I began to grow a bit insecure when his eyes lingered a bit too long on my breasts and then down further to my mid-section.

  The way my name rolled off his tongue was unlike I had ever heard it before. I wasn't sure if I was fantasizing about the interest he had littered in between the syllables of my name as he spoke, but I thought he almost sound intrigued.

  My eyes darted back and forth anxiously unsure of what was happening, but when his eventually trailed back to mine, I felt my skin tingle.

  Stop it, heart... Sebastian Holt will only break you. He will damage you beyond repair. Sebastian Holt is one-hundred and fifty percent off-limits.

  I smiled curtly, “Thank you, Sebastian.”

  I ran my fingers through my long, straight, but still slightly dampened hair and it was then that I was certain I saw a reaction from him. His eyes seemed to light up as I breathed his name and just when I noticed it, his breath hitched before his stare darkened at the slow movement of my hand falling back to my side.

  “I... Sorry, Emery. I've got to go,” he turned and shuffled away quickly without hesitation.

  I literally mouthed what the fuck. It was weird as hell. What was that? I wasn't really sure what had just occurred between me and Sebastian, but I made my way back to theater six to take in a full two hours of Channing Tatum. Sebastian's behavior was particularly strange, and I laughed to myself when I briefly considered it was because he was nervous around me.

  I picked a spot in the very back of the theater where I could be left alone in the dark shadowy corner to drool and oogle over the delicious half-naked muscular form that was Channing-fucking-Tatum.

  Within minutes the lights dimmed and the previews started. I checked my phone to see if my mom had texted. No such luck, but there was a text I must've missed from Sophie...

  Sophie: I saw you and Sebastian going all googley-eyed over each other. What. Was. That???? EMERY!

  Me: It was nothing. Stop it. I am not interested in him.

  As the movie began to play, I snuggled myself into my seat and propped my legs on the chair in front of me.

  Sophie: Ohhh really? Well I bet you'd change your mind if I told you that he won't stop asking me about you . . .

  Sebastian was asking about me? What could he possibly want to know? Whatever. He probably wanted me to tutor him in Algebra or something. Sorry, not my thing. I know I look like a nobody, but that doesn't make me a nerd and I certainly do not spend my free time tutoring the kids that usually get by simply on their parent's wealth and their own good looks. No thank you Sebastian Holt, this girl had no interest in helping you barely slip through your senior year.

  Tossing my phone back into my bag on the floor, I shook my head before my eyes focused on Channing stripping down to barely nothing. My insides flipped and turned and I squeezed my legs together in an attempt to calm myself. My phone binged and as I looked down, then shifted to reach for it, the seat beside me squeaked.

  I looked over to see Sebastian, making himself at home next to me.

  “What do you think you're doing?”

  “Just wanted to see what all the hype over this guy is about,” he crooked his thumb towards Channing on the screen.

  His eyes stayed glued on the screen, whereas mine didn't waver from his direction. The light from the screen reflected off of his irises and every fleck of gold in them seemed to sparkle. He moved to lean against the arm rest and just briefly our arms brushed each others before I removed mine, the contact obviously jolting me. Did he feel it?

  “Calm down. I don't bite.”

  “That's not what I've heard.”

  He tore his stare from the screen to look at me, and as his face moved closer, it settled just inches from mine.

  “And what exactly have you heard about me, Emery?”

  My eyes darted around nervously as I panicked at how I should respond.

  His unique masculine scent flooded my nostrils and my eyes may have actually rolled back in my head as I inhaled his delicious fragrance.

  “Well? Do tell. I am dying to know what everyone says about me...”

  He left his sentence open ended and the tone of his voice was coated in amusement like this wasn't the first time he'd had
this conversation. I certainly didn't want to sound like a complete bitch, but at the same time I wanted to let him know that I wasn't going to be just another notch in his bedpost. I thought about it like there was even a chance in hell that we would end up there. No way, don't get ahead of yourself, Em.

  “You're a player.”

  He busted out in a frantic laughter, grabbing at his stomach like it pained him he was laughing so hard.

  “Whatever, just leave me alone Sebastian. I'm not interested,” I had said it bluntly and as the last of my words left from my lips, his laughter suddenly froze.

  Silence filled the personal space we were sharing and his eyes darkened.

  “You don't know me. And whoever told you that obviously doesn't either, Emery.”

  He grabbed the back of the seat in front of him, steadying himself as he stood, and with my mouth gaping open in shock, he simply walked away without speaking another word.

  The remaining hour and a half I sat irritated, watching Channing Tatum, but my mind constantly drifting back to the conversation I'd shared with Sebastian. Eventually, the movie ended and the credits began to roll. Everyone in the theater piled out in less than ten minutes, but still, I stayed planted in my corner. I thought that I'd probably just watch the movie again... and again... and again. I'd watch it for the whole duration of Sophie's shift and then when she was done working, we'd leave and I would never have to face Sebastian again.

  After the credits rolled, the screen continued to play usual advertisements and I leaned my head back against the seat, closing my eyes briefly.

  “So... let's try this again. I am Sebastian Holt. It's nice to meet you?”

  I sighed at the last sentence that had been more of a question than a statement before opening my eyes and shifting to look over at the most gorgeous guy I'd ever laid eyes on. He was forbidden fruit and I was starving for just a tiny bite, but I knew he'd only hurt me. Although, if he kept this persistence up, I'd be putty in his hands in no time. I was determined not to let that happen.

  My lips curled to the side, as I internally questioned his motives for pursuing me.

  “Emery Evans.”

  He smiled when I gave in, “Emery. A beautiful name for the most beautiful girl I've ever seen.”

  I rolled my eyes, “Seriously, do you try that line on all the girls?”

  “Give me some credit. I'm trying.”

  Technically, he was right. He hadn't personally given me any reason to think his motives were any thing other than authentic.

  When I realized we were completely alone and mostly in the dark, butterflies awakened in my stomach and for the first time, I felt some thing I had never experienced before.

  Lust.

  Sebastian moved his hand to brush the pad of his thumb gently across the skin on the back of my hand. My initial reaction had me snatching my arm away and out of his reach, but when his eyes showed a bit of concern at my reaction, I moved it back, resting my palm on his knee instead.

  I bit my lip as my nerves took over. He moved his hand to cover mine and curled his fingers under and inwards towards the palm of my hand. I looked at the floor. What was happening? My heart raced and what I could only assume was adrenaline flooded my veins and set my senses on fire.

  Licking my lips that were dry and beginning to feel a bit cracked, I slowly closed my eyes. I took in a deep breath of popcorn infused air, as I effortlessly tried to relax myself.

  “Emery.”

  With my eyes still closed, he lifted his other hand to brush the back of his knuckles against the line of my jaw and when his skin first connected with mine, my teeth shuttered in reaction.

  I shook my head briefly before reaching up and tugging his hand away from my face.

  “Please.”

  “Please what?”

  “I'm not going to hurt you.”

  “I don't believe you,” my voice cracked as I basically accused him of some thing that I had no evidence of.

  “You don't even know me.”

  “I know what I've heard.”

  “That's fine. We can take it slow. Let me take you to dinner.”

  I bit back a bit of laughter at his proposition.

  “I'm serious. Let me take you out.”

  “I'm not like other girls, Sebastian.”

  “What do you mean exactly? Do you have an eleventh toe or something I need to know about?”

  I nudged him in his bicep at his attempt to lighten the mood.

  “No.”

  “Well? What is it then?”

  I debated over telling him flat out that I was a virgin and that I had never even kissed a boy before, but then I decided that was really none of his business and I should just let things happen naturally. My mom had always said that what is meant to be will always find a way. I gave him the benefit of the doubt, but instead of divulging the fact that I was probably the least sexually experienced girl he'd ever pursued, I instead told him about my insecurities. I wasn't really sure why I went that route... it was almost like I was giving him an out by pointing out how unattractive I really was.

  “I'm not skinny and you're shorter than me.”

  “I hadn't even noticed, but it doesn't bother me.”

  I wasn't quite sure if his response was to my weight or his lack in height, but nevertheless he didn't seem to change his mind about me.

  “Okay.”

  “Perfect. I get off at six. I will meet you out front and then, you're mine.”

  I swear that my eyes grew two sizes when he said I was his, but then he reassured me when he promised he'd be a complete gentleman.

  I wanted to trust him, believe him, give him a chance, but my gut was telling me not to.

  I nodded.

  “I've got to get back to work.”

  “Okay. See you later.”

  “I can't wait.”

  He turned on his heels to make his way to the exit just as the theater began to fill again for the next showing. It was at that moment that I had decided I didn't need any more Channing Tatum.

  4

  I glanced at my watch, noticing it was half past three.

  Leaving the theater, I inevitably decided to shop the boutiques in the plaza where the theater was located. I had two and a half hours to kill. Perpetually, I kept checking my watch and as the minutes slipped by I grew more nervous about the evening I would spend with Sebastian. Maybe this was a mistake.

  As I exited store number three, I decided to spend the remaining hour at the coffee shop two doors down from The Shriner. After ordering my favorite iced coconut latte, I took my drink with me to the overstuffed sofas on the other side of the room and plopped myself down to people watch.

  I could literally watch people for hours, it never seemed to bore me. By the time I had sipped away half of my large iced coffee, I realized I hadn't yet divulged my pending date to Sophie, so I sent her a quick text:

  Me: Hey. How's your first day going? Also, what time are you supposed to get off work?

  Sophie: Where the heck are you? I think I have checked every movie and can't find you.

  Me: I'm at Froth. I gave up on Channing LOL.

  Sophie: I get off at nine. Sorry you're going to have to wait around for me. I can have my mom come pick you up if you don't want to wait...

  Me: Actually...

  Me: I've got a ride. I'll see you at home later.

  Sophie: A ride? From who????

  Me:......

  Sophie: ?????

  Me: Sebastian.

  Sophie: OMG! Shut the fuck up.

  Me: I'll tell you about it later.

  Sophie: Eeeeeek! You go girl! <3

  Me: We'll talk later. :)

  I shoved my phone in my back pocket and went back to sipping my delicious iced brew. Before I knew it, the time had come. It was nearly six and after glancing at my watch for what felt like the millionth time, I stood, tossed my empty cup in the trash bin, and went to freshen myself up in the ladies room before heading back to The Sh
riner to meet Sebastian.

  The sun was just beginning to set when I finally made it back to the front of the theater. It was five 'til and Sebastian wasn't there yet. After waiting for about fifteen minutes, I started to feel queasy at the thought that I had possibly been stood up. I was kicking myself internally for allowing myself to be put in this situation even after my brain had told me it was a terrible idea to let him take me out. The temperature had started to drop and I was shivering cold. As I attempted to cram my shaky hands into my pockets in an effort to thaw them, he finally showed up.

  “Sorry to keep you waiting. I would've called you to let you know I'd be late, but I didn't have your number.”

  I tucked a stray piece of hair behind my right ear before smiling, then looking down at my shoes in an effort to mask the awkwardness I was feeling.

  “Don't do that.”

  “Do what?” I trailed my eyes up and when they met his, that was it. I was so totally screwed. My brain said run for the hills, but my heart said give this gorgeous guy a chance. And so I did. I gave Sebastian Holt a chance.

  “Don't look down like you're not worthy.”

  My brow furrowed, but I didn't respond. My look told him that I had no clue what he was referring to.

  “Look Emery, please forgive me if I am wrong, but...” he paused.

  I gave him a look that begged for him to continue, but instead he just said, “My coat is in the car, let me get it for you. Come on.”

  He took off in the same direction that Sophie had parked her car and when I followed, I hurried to catch up with him. When I suddenly stopped to cup my hands and bring them to my lips, he paused. I blew warmth into my enclosed palms at an attempt to thaw them.

  As I removed my shaking hands my from mouth, he wrapped his arm around me, pulling me into his firm, muscular body. Electricity shot through my bones and a huge rush of warmth curtained me from my head to my toes. My whole body tensed at the first contact of his body against mine and I knew he felt it because he shifted his hold on me before we continued walking again.